Clip for connecting wire fencing to a fence post

ABSTRACT

A clip for connecting a strand of wire fencing to a line post of a fence is disclosed. The clip includes an aperture for receiving the wire to facilitate movement of the wire when the clip is coupled to the line post.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/493,043 filed on Jun. 11, 2012.

BACKGROUND

Wire type fences are utilized in the agricultural industry forseparating property lines and for maintaining livestock. Current wirefencing systems can lack in durability and functionality, be difficultto repair, and suffer from several performance issues.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key and/oressential features of the claimed subject matter. Also, this Summary isnot intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter in anymanner.

Aspects of the disclosure pertain to a clip for connecting wire fencingto a line post of a fence. The clip includes an aperture for receivingthe wire to facilitate movement of the wire when the clip is coupled tothe line post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example perspective view of an example fence clip;

FIG. 2 is an example side plan view of the example fence clip shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an example bottom plan view of the example fence clip shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an example top plan view of the example fence clip shown inFIG. 1 and an example top plan view of an example fence post;

FIG. 5 is an example top plan view of the example fence clip shown inFIG. 4 secured to an example fence post;

FIG. 6 is an example perspective view of the example fence clip shown inFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an example perspective view of the example fence clip and theexample fence post shown in FIG. 5, which further depicts a section ofexample wire;

FIG. 8 is an example front plan view of the example fence clip, theexample fence post and the section of example wire shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an example top plan view of the example fence clip, theexample fence post and the example section of example wire shown in FIG.7;

FIG. 10 is an example side plan view of the example fence clip, theexample fence post and section of example wire shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is an example perspective view illustrating multiple examplefence posts;

FIG. 12 is an example perspective view of the example fence clip shownin FIG. 1 with example wire;

FIG. 13 is an example perspective view of an example fence clip;

FIG. 14 is an example top plan view of the example fence clip shown inFIG. 13 secured to an example fence post;

FIG. 15 is an example perspective view of an example fence clip;

FIG. 16 is an example top plan view of the example fence clip shown inFIG. 15 secured to an example fence post;

FIG. 17 is an example perspective view of an example fence clip;

FIG. 18 is an example top plan view of the example fence clip shown inFIG. 17 secured to an example fence post;

FIG. 19 is an example perspective view of an example fence clip; and

FIG. 20 is an example top plan view of the example fence clip shown inFIG. 19 secured to an example fence post;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the disclosure are described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, andwhich show, by way of illustration, example features. The features can,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the combinations set forth herein; rather, thesecombinations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope. Among other things, thefeatures of the disclosure can be facilitated by methods, devices,and/or embodied in articles of commerce. The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Wire fences of all types are utilized in the agricultural industry. Afew examples of wire fences include barbed wire fences and electric wirefences. In agricultural settings, wire fencing, due to its relativelylow expense and its relatively high strength and restraining properties,is often used for constructing fences for containing animals(ex.—cattle) within large areas (ex.—pastures). Further, compared toother fencing options, wire fences are relatively easy to construct,while requiring a minimal amount of equipment (ex.—fence posts, wire,wire fasteners, fence staples).

In a typical constructed wire fence, multiple (ex.—4 to 7) strands ofwire can be aligned under tension between heavy braced fence posts(ex.—end posts, corner posts or strainer posts). Further, the strands ofwire can be held at or near a desired height along the entire span(ex.—from end post-to-end post) of the fence by being attached to aseries of line posts which are located between and generally co-linearwith the end posts. For example, the strands can be spaced apart fromeach other such that the top strand of the wire fence is held at or neara height which is proximal to the upper (ex.—top) ends of the fenceposts along the entire span of the fence, while the bottom strand of thewire fence is held at a height which is proximal to the ground levelalong the entire span of the fence, thereby allowing the multiplestrands to cover the vertical area extending from the tops of the poststo the ground level. Currently, wire fasteners are used to tightlysecure the wire between the wire fastener and the line posts (ex.—metalT-posts) in such a manner so as to: a.) maintain each wire at itscorrect height along the entire span of the fence; and b.) restrictmovement of each strand (ex.—vertical and/or horizontal movement).

Over time, one or more of the strands of wire can begin to sag in someplaces (ex.—sections) along the fence, thereby providing an indicationthat the tension on that particular strand of wire has to be adjusted(ex.—tightened) in order to re-position the strand to its correct heightrelative to the fence posts. In other instances, breaks in the wire canoccur at points where the wire fastener secures the wire to the lineposts. Due to the movement restraint of the wire caused by currentlyavailable wire fasteners, the wire fasteners typically need to beremoved before the strand of wire can be repaired, moved and/ortightened (ex.—before the tension upon the strand of wire can beincreased). For example, currently available wire fasteners do notprovide clearance between the line post and the fastener to allow forthe strand of wire to freely move along the fence line (ex.—towards oneof the end posts) to allow for proper height adjustment and/ortightening of the wire. As such, when a force is applied to the wire,the wire is restricted from movement and held fast to the post by thefastener. Further, currently available wire fasteners, in order to limitthe inward/outward movement of the strands, can be connected to the lineposts in such a manner so as to pin or trap the wire against the lineposts. This can result in accelerated rusting of the wire (sincemoisture tends to collect at or near these contact points between thewire and the fastener) resulting in a shortened life span for the wire.Further, because the currently available wire fasteners are designed totightly pinch the wire between the fastener and the line post, thecurrently available wire fasteners can cause the wire to degrade orweaken at the contact point (ex.—pressure point), thereby shortening thelife span of the wire fencing.

As more fully set forth below, aspects of the disclosure include a fenceclip that includes an aperture for receiving the strand of wire tofacilitate movement of the wire when the clip is coupled to the linepost. The fence clip and the aperture associated with the fence clipfacilitates a separation between the wire and the post which allows someinward and outward movement of the strand of wire relative to thefenced-in area (ex.—movement towards and away from the post) andparallel to the ground, thereby providing some spring-like flexibilityto the fence along the entire span of the fence (ex.—from endpost-to-end post), while promoting the avoidance of the wire degradationand rusting issues associated with currently available wire fasteners.The fence clip and the aperture of the fence clip also providesufficient space to allow for omni-directional movement (ex.—up-and-downmovement, side-to-side movement, and movement along the fenceline/towards the end posts) of the strand of wire, thereby allowing forthe wire to be moved, repaired and/or tightened (ex.—stretched or pulledtowards one of the end posts of the fence to take slack out of the wireso that the wire can be positioned and/or re-positioned at the desiredheight without having to loosen or detach the clip from the line post.The fence clip and the aperture of the fence clip also promote theability to maintain a strand of wire at or near a desired height and/ordistance relative to a fence post (ex.—a line post), the ground and/orother strands of wire of the fence. Furthermore, the fence clip and theaperture of the fence clip can be configured for use with several typesof wire fences. For example, the size of the aperture can be configuredto allow clearance for barbs of a barb wire fence. Also, one or moreportions of the fence clip and/or aperture of the fence clip can becoated with an electrical insulating material to reduce the likelihoodof shorts with an electrical fence. Moreover, the aperture can beconfigured to receive an electrical insulating member such as aninsulated insert to reduce shorting with electrical fences.

The fence clip is described below using terminology that identifieselements of the fence clip. The identification of the elements is notmeant to limit the construction of the fence clip to individual elementsbeing coupled together. Although a fence clip having individual elementscoupled together is contemplated, the fence clip can be formed of asolid uniform construction such as a molded metal member, a bent metalwire, a molded plastic member, a bent plastic member, a molded compositemember, and/or a bent composite member.

As indicated in FIGS. 1-3, the fence clip 100 can include one or moresecuring arms. For example, the fence clip 100 can include a firstsecuring arm 102 and/or a second securing arm 104. Each securing arm(102, 104) can include a first end 106 and a second end 108. Asindicated in FIG. 1, the second end 108 may not be a true end but may bethe end of the securing arm portion of fence clip 100 for purposes ofdescribing elements of a continuous structure. The first ends 106 of thesecuring arms (102, 104) can be spaced apart from each other by adistance D2, as shown in FIG. 3. In one aspect, first securing arm 102can be generally parallel to second securing arm 104. Yet, as more fullyset forth below, first securing arm 102 and second securing arm 104 maynot be parallel to one another.

The fence clip 100 can further include a plurality of stabilizing bars.For example, the fence clip 100 can include a first stabilizing bar 110and a second stabilizing bar 112. Each stabilizing bar (110, 112) caninclude a first end 114 and a second end 116. Similar to the first andsecond securing arms (102, 104), the first end 114 and the second end116 may not be true ends but may be the end of the stabilizing barportion of the fence clip 100 for purposes of the describing elements ofa continuous structure. Further, each stabilizing bar (110, 112) caninclude a first side (ex.—an inner side) 118 and a second side (ex.—anouter side) 120 can located generally opposite the first side 118. Inthe example orientation indicated in FIG. 1, first stabilizing bar 110can be generally parallel to second stabilizing bar 112. In anotherexample, first stabilizing bar 110 can be generally perpendicular tofirst securing arm 102 and second stabilizing bar 112 can be generallyperpendicular to second securing arm 104. In another example, firststabilizing bar 110 and first securing arm 104 can generally reside inthe same horizontal plane. In yet another example, second stabilizingbar 112 and second securing arm 104 can generally reside in the samehorizontal plane. In still another example, first stabilizing bar 110,second stabilizing bar 112, first securing arm 102 and second securingarm 104 can generally reside in the same horizontal plane.

The first stabilizing bar 110 and the second stabilizing bar 112 canhave other orientations depending on the tool utilized for securingfence clip 100 to the fence post. For example, one common tool forsecuring fence clips to a fence post is a 440 T-post grippermanufactured by Dutton-Lainson Company of Hastings, Nebr. Such toolshave top and bottom positioning brackets to hold the fence clip duringpositioning and crimping. Accordingly, first stabilizing bar 110 andsecond stabilizing bar 112 can be configured in relation to theirrespective first securing arm 102 and second securing arm 104 so thatthe first end 130 and second end 132 are vertically offset (e.g. notwithin the same horizontal plane) with respect to the first joint 122and second joint 124. The vertical offset can allow the helical member126 to clear the one or more of the positioning brackets of the tool(such as the indicated T-post gripper). To provide the vertical offset,the first stabilizing bar 110 can be linear and slant between the firstjoint 122 and the first end 130. Likewise, the second stabilizing bar112 can be linear and slant between the second joint 124 and the secondend 132. Providing a slant is just one way of providing clearance for acrimping tool. First stabilizing bar 110 and second stabilizing bar 112can also be non-linear to provide the vertical offset.

The fence clip 100 can further include one or more joints. For example,the second end 108 of the first securing arm 102 can be coupled to thefirst end 114 of the first stabilizing bar 110 by a first joint 122,while the second end 108 of the second securing arm 104 is coupled tothe first end 114 of the second stabilizing bar 112 by a second joint124. The joints (122, 124) can be malleable joints, hinge joints,snapping joints, locking joints, mechanical joints, magnetic joints andcombinations thereof. Joints (122, 124) can facilitate hinged movementbetween stabilizing bars (110, 112) and a respective securing arm (102,104). As an example, the first securing arm 102 can be rotated aboutjoint 122 and relative to stabilizing bar 110. The rotation can occurfrom an open angle to a closed angle. For example, FIG. 4 generallydepicts fence clip 100 in an open position. The open angle between thesecuring arm 102 and stabilizing bar 110 is about 90° in FIG. 4. Yet theopen angle can be between about 45° to about 225° For example, the anglecan be about 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°,100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, 120°, 125°, 130°, 135°, 140°, 145°, 150°, 155°,160°, 165°, 170°, 175°, 180°, 185°, 190°, 195°, 200°, 205°, 210°, 215°,220°, 225° to about 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°,95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, 120°, 125°, 130°, 135°, 140°, 145°, 150°,155°, 160°, 165°, 170°, 175°, 180°, 185°, 190°, 195°, 200°, 205°, 210°,215°, 220°, 225°. FIG. 5 generally depicts fence clip 100 in a closedposition. The closed angle can be between about 45° to about 0°. Forexample, the closed angle between the first securing arm 102 and thefirst stabilizing bar 110 can be about 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°,35°, 40°, 45° to about 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°.The open angle and the closed angle formed by the second securing arm104 and the second stabilizing bar 112 can include similar angles asindicated above.

The fence clip 100 can further include an aperture 128 defined by ahelical member 126. The term “helical member” as used herein can includea generally smooth spiral helix as indicated in the figures. The term“helical member” can also encompass a helical member that includeslinear portions. For example, helical member 126 can include atriangular shaped helix, a square shaped helix, a pentagram shaped helixand the like. The term “helical member” can include a helical memberthat is formed continuous with the other members of the clip as depictedin the figures. Yet, the term “helical member” also includes a separatehelical member that is not continuous. For example, the fence clip caninclude a single stabilizing bar that connects joints 122 and 124. Thehelical member 126 can include a separate helical member that has anopening and is connected to the single stabilizing bar between joints122 and 124. In such a situation, the term “helical member” canencompass a ring shaped member, a triangular shaped member, a squareshaped member, a pentagram shaped member and the like. The aperture 128can have a distance D1 (as shown in FIG. 2). The distance D1 of theaperture 128 can also be an inner distance of the helical member 126.Distance D1 can be a diameter in the situation where the helix member isa spiral type helix or ring shaped member. In other situations, thedistance D1 can be the greatest opening distance formed by the aperturedefined by the helical member. For example, D1 can be from about 0.1inches to about 2.00 inches. For example, D1 can be about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55,0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75,2.0 inches to about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25,0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, 0.80, 0.85,0.90, 0.95, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.0 inches. Further, helical member126 can include a first end 130 and a second end 132. As indicated inFIG. 1, the first end 130 and the second end 132 may not be a true endbut may be the end of the helical structure portion of fence clip 100for purposes of the describing elements of a continuous structure. Thefirst end 130 of the helical structure 126 can be coupled to orcontinuous with the second end 116 of the first stabilizing bar 110. Thesecond end 132 of the helical member 126 can be connected to orcontinuous with the second end 116 of the second stabilizing bar 112.The second end 132 of the helical member 126 can be spaced apart fromthe first end 130 of the helical member 126 by a distance, D3, as shownin FIG. 3, to form an aperture opening 134. For instance, distance D3(ex.—the width of the aperture opening 134) can be from about 0.05inches to about 1.00 inches. For example, D3 can be about 0.05, 0.10,0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70,0.75, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00 inches to about 0.05, 0.10, 0.15,0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75,0.80, 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00 inches. Other values for the apertureopening are contemplated depending on the thickness of the wire that isfitted through the aperture opening 134. The aperture opening 134 can beformed generally opposite an apex (ex.—a highest vertical point) 136 ofthe helical member 126.

As an example related to the orientation depicted in FIG. 1, the helicalmember 126 can reside in a generally vertical plane. The vertical planewhere the helical member 126 resides can be generally perpendicular tothe horizontal plane where the first locking arm 102 resides. In otheraspects, the vertical plane where the helical member 126 resides can begenerally perpendicular to the horizontal plane where the second lockingarm 104 resides. In other aspects, when in an upright position (e.g.FIG. 1) the first end 130 and the second end 132 are vertically offsetfrom a horizontal plane where the first joint 122 and the second joint124 reside.

Referring generally to FIGS. 4-12, the fence clip 100 can be configuredfor being connected to (ex.—secured to) a fence post (ex.—a line post ora metal T-post located between two end posts of a span of fence) 150 ofa wire (ex.—barbed wire, unbarbed wire, electrical wire) fence and canfurther be configured for connecting (ex.—securing) wire 175 of thefence to the line post 150. As mentioned above, one type of line post towhich the fence clip 100 can be connected can be a T-post (ex.—metalT-post) 150. The fence clip 100 can also be configured for beingconnected to various other types and/or shapes of fence post. However,the discussion provided herein is directed towards the fence clip 100being secured to a T-post 150. As shown in FIG. 7, the T-post 150 is aformed as a longitudinally-extended T-shaped cross-section including afirst wall 152 and a second wall 154. The second wall 154 can begenerally perpendicular to the first wall 152. The first wall 152 caninclude a first face (ex.—front face) 156, a second face (ex.—rear face)158, located generally opposite the first face 156, and side edges (160,162) extending between and connected to the faces (156, 158). The frontface 156 can further have one or more protrusions 164 formed upon itssurface.

The fence clip 100 can be secured to the T-post 150 by aligning the clip100 relative to the post 150 (as shown in FIG. 4) so that the first wall152 of the T-post 150 is received between the securing arms (102, 104)of the clip 100. The clip 100 can be constructed and/or can beconfigurable so that the distance D2 (shown in FIG. 3) separating thesecuring arms (102, 104) is sufficiently wide for simultaneouslyreceiving the first wall 152 and side edges (160, 162) of the T-post 150as shown in FIG. 4. For example, the distance D2 separating the securingarms (102, 104) can be from about 0.5 inches to about 5.0 inches. Forexample, D2 can be about 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.00, 2.25,2.50, 2.75, 3.00, 3.25, 3.50, 3.75, 4.00, 4.25, 4.50, 4.75, 5.00 inchesto about 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.00, 2.25, 2.50, 2.75,3.00, 3.25, 3.50, 3.75, 4.00, 4.25, 4.50, 4.75, 5.00 inches. The clip100 can be directed against the front face 156 of the first wall 152 ofthe T-post 150, such that one or more of the helical member 126, thejoints (122, 124) and the stabilizing bars (110, 112) are engagedagainst (ex.—at least partially contacting) the front face 156 of thefirst wall 152 of the T-post 150. When the clip 100 is engaged againstthe front face 156 of the first wall 152 of the post 150 as describedabove, the securing arms (102, 104) of the clip 100 are of a sufficientlength to extend past the first wall 152 of the post 150. For example,the arms (102, 104) can be from about 0.25 inches to about 2.0 inches.For example the length can be about 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50,1.75, 2.00 inches to about 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75,2.00 inches Further, when the clip 100 is engaged against the front face156 of the first wall 152 of the post 150 as described above, a distance(“D4” as shown in FIG. 2) between the ends (106, 108) of the securingarms (102, 104) and a surface (ex.—a surface on the helical member 126)200 of the clip 100 that engages the front face 156 is also a sufficientdistance to allow the arms (102, 104) to extend past the first wall 152of the post 150. For example, distance D4 can be from about 0.25 inchesto about 2.00 inches. Distance D4 can be from about 0.25, 0.50, 0.75,1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.00 inches to about 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00,1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2.00 inches.

Furthermore, when the clip 100 is engaged against the front face 156 ofthe first wall 152 of the post 150 as described above, the securing arms(102, 104) of the clip 100 can be rotated (ex.—bent, moved,incrementally adjusted, crimped) about the joints (122, 124) toward boththe stabilizing bars (110, 112) and the rear face 158 of the first wall152 of the post 150. For example, a hand-held mechanical crimping toolcan be used to crimp the arms of the clip 100 into the crimped position(the crimped position of the clip 100 being shown in FIGS. 5 and 6). Theabove-referenced rotating of the arms (102, 104) of the clip 100 cancause the clip 100 to conform to (ex.—tighten around) the post 150, asshown in FIG. 5, such that the joints (122, 124) wrap around the sideedges (160, 162) of the first wall 152 of the post 150; the securingarms (102, 104) are directed against (ex.—are at least partially incontact with) the rear face 158 of the first wall 152 of the post 150and; one of the helical member 126, the first stabilizing bar 110, andthe second stabilizing bar 112 are at least partially engaged againstthe front face 156 of the first wall 152 of the post 150.

Configuring the clip 100 around the post 150, as shown in FIG. 5,results in a tension fit between the clip 100 and the post 150 via whichthe clip 100 is tightly secured to the post 150 at a sufficient tensionthat the clip 100 resists movement (ex.—sliding) relative to the post150. The clip 100 can be formed of a material which is of a gauge orstrength that it is strong (ex.—sturdy) enough to provide theabove-described secure, tension fit against the post 150, while stillbeing malleable. For instance, the clip 100 can be formed of metal wire,such as galvanized steel or American Wire Gauge (AWG) number “9” wire.It is contemplated that the clip 100 can be at least partially formed ofother materials, such as plastic, rubber, a composite, or the like.

Referring generally to FIGS. 7-12, the fence clip 100 can be secured toa post 150 at a pre-determined height along the post for connecting astrand of wire 175 to the post and for promoting the ability to maintainthe strand of wire 175 at or near the pre-determined height along thepost 150. As an example, prior to or after securing the clip 100 to thepost 150 (as described above and shown in FIG. 5), the clip 100 can bealigned relative to a strand of wire 175 (as shown in FIG. 12), suchthat strand of wire 175 is received within the aperture 128 formed bythe helical member 126. The aperture opening 134 separating the firstand second ends (130, 132) of the helical member 126 allows forintroduction of the wire 175 into the aperture 128 formed by the helicalmember 126. The aperture 128 can be sufficiently sized to allow for boththe sub-strands 180 of the wire 175 and the barbs 185 (in the situationwhere the wire is a barbed wire) of the wire 175 to be directed throughthe aperture 128 (as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11), such as when stretchingthe wire 175 along the fence line (ex.—towards an end post of thefence). Further, the aperture 128 can also be sufficiently sized toallow for at least some inward-outward movement of the strand of wire175 relative to an area which is fenced in by the wire (and parallel tothe ground). This allows for the structural integrity of the fence andthe wire 175 to be maintained when livestock bumps up against thestrands of wire 175 of the completed fence, such that the clip 100allows for a spring-like action along the entire span of the fence.

In other examples, the wire fencing 175 can be electric fencing. Whenthe wire fencing 175 is electric fencing, at least a portion of the clip100 (ex.—the helical member 126) can be formed with, connected to and/orcoated with a non-conductive (ex.—insulating) material, such as plastic,for preventing the wire fencing 175 from contacting other metalcomponents of the fence (ex.—metal portions of the clip 100) and therebypreventing the electric fencing from shorting out (ex.—grounding out).

After the wire 175 is located within the aperture 128 defined by thehelical member 126, the clip 100 can then be secured to the post 150 (asdiscussed above), thereby allowing the clip 100 to promote the abilityto maintain the strand of wire 175 at a desired height relative to theline post 150, relative to the ground within which the line post 150 issecured and relative to other strands of wire of the fence.

Further, after the wire 175 is located within the aperture 128 definedby the helical member 126 and after the clip 100 is secured to the post150 (as discussed above), the clip 100 indirectly (ex.—loosely)connects/secures the strand of wire 175 to the post 150, such that thewire 175 is spaced apart from (ex.—not pinned against) the post 150. Theclip 100 achieves this via the helical member 126, a portion of whichseparates the wire 175 from the post 150, such that the portion of thehelical member 126 forms a physical barrier (is located) between thewire 175 positioned within the aperture 128 and the post 150. Such aconfiguration allows for some inward and outward movement of the strandof wire 175 relative to the fenced-in area (ex.—movement towards andaway from the post 150 and the fenced-in area) and parallel to theground. By providing for such inward-outward movement, the clip 100allows the constructed fence to have some spring-like flexibility alongthe entire span (ex.—from end post-to-end post) of the fence whenlivestock bumps up against the wire 175 of the fence. As mentionedabove, currently available wire fasteners pin the wire directly againstthe fence post, causing problems such as rusting of the wire (due tomoisture gathering in the area at or near the contact point) anddegradation of the barbed wire (due to the pinching of the wire betweenthe fastener and the post), events which tend to shorten the life spanof the barbed wire. By securing (ex.—indirectly securing, looselysecuring) the wire 175 to the post 150 in a manner such that the wire175 is spaced apart (ex.—distanced, separated) from the post 150, theclip 100 promotes avoidance of the above-referenced wire rusting andwire degradation issues associated with the currently available wirefasteners.

Still further, after the wire 175 is located (ex.—positioned) within theaperture 128 defined by the helical member 126 and after the clip 100 issecured to the post 150 (as discussed above), the clip 100 providessufficient space, via the aperture 128, to allow for omni-directionalmovement (ex.—side-to-side movement within the aperture, up-and-downmovement within the aperture, and end post-to-end post movement throughand beyond the aperture) of the strand of wire, thereby allowing for thewire to be moved, repaired and/or tightened (ex.—stretched or pulledtowards one of the end posts of the fence to take slack out of the wire175) so that the wire 175 can be positioned and/or re-positioned at thedesired height (as shown in FIG. 11) without having to loosen or detachthe clip 100 from the line post 150. The ability to move and/ormanipulate the wire 175 without having to remove or loosen the clip 100also promotes ease of repair of the wire fencing 175. Unlike currentlyavailable wire fasteners, the clip 100 facilitates stretching of thebarbed wire along the fence line from a first line post to a second linepost, and further, such that the clearance 128 can allow for a barb 185located on a strand of wire 175 being stretched generally along thefence line to be moved through the helical members 126 of multiple clips100 located on multiple corresponding line posts 150 along the span ofthe fence.

Referring to FIG. 13, a further example of a fence clip 250 is shown.Fence clip 250 is generally similar in construction and function to thefence clip 100 discussed above. However, fence clip 250 includes a firstsecuring arm 252 which is a greater length (e.g., longer) than itssecond securing arm 104. Further, the second securing arm 104 of thefence clip 250 may be formed in a pre-crimped configuration as shown orcan be crimped after the clip 250 is engaged against the first wall 152of the fence post 150. The greater length of the first securing arm 252of fence clip 250 promotes ease of securing of the fence clip 250 tofence post 150. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when clip 250 isengaged against the front face 156 of post 150 and the second securingarm 104 is placed or conformed around the post 150, first securing arm252 can be rotated (ex.—bent, moved, incrementally adjusted, crimped)about joint 122 towards stabilizing bar 110 to cause the clip 250 toconform to (e.g., tighten around, be secured to, form a tension fitwith) post 150, such that joints (122, 124) wrap around the side edges(160, 162) of the post 150, while a portion of the first securing arm252 is bent around the perpendicular second wall 154 of the post 150.Due to its elongated configuration, a greater lever force can be appliedto the first securing arm 252 which allows it to be more easily torqued,conformed to, and/or bent around the post 150 than clip 100. Forinstance, clip 250 can be constructed such that the first securing arm252 can be bent around the post 150 in a tool-less manner (e.g., byhand) or by using a simple tool (e.g., pliers, hammer, crimp).

Referring to FIG. 15, a further example of a fence clip 300 is shown.Fence clip 300 is generally similar in construction and function to thefence clip 250 discussed above. For example, fence clip 300 includes afirst securing arm 302 which is a greater length (e.g., longer) than itssecond securing arm 104. However, the first securing arm 302 of clip 300includes a handle 304 which is coupled to the first securing arm 302 byjoint 306. For instance, the handle 304 can be oriented parallel tostabilizing bar 110 with end 308 of first securing arm 302 oriented awayfrom helical member 126 as shown in FIG. 15. The handle 304 promotesease of gripping of the first securing arm 302 when torqueing thesecuring arm 302 for securing of fence clip 300 to fence post 150. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 16, when clip 300 is engaged against the frontface 156 of post 150 and the second securing arm 104 is placed orconformed around post 150, first securing arm 302 can be rotated(ex.—bent, moved, incrementally adjusted, crimped) clockwise about joint122 towards stabilizing bar 110, while handle 304 can be rotated(ex.—bent, moved, incrementally adjusted, crimped) clockwise about joint306 towards stabilizing bar 110 to cause the clip 300 to conform to(e.g., tighten around, be secured to, form a tension fit with) post 150,such that joints (122, 124) wrap around side edges (160, 162) of post150, while a portion of the first securing arm 302 is bent aroundperpendicular second wall 154 of post 150. Due to its elongatedconfiguration and its handle 304, first securing arm 302 allows clip 300to be more easily torqued, conformed to and/or bent around the post 150than clip 100 or clip 250. For instance, clip 300 can be constructedsuch that the first securing arm 302 can be bent around post 150 in atool-less manner (e.g., by hand) or by using a simple tool (e.g.,pliers, hammer, crimp).

Referring to FIG. 17, a further example of a fence clip 350 is shown.Fence clip 350 is generally similar in construction and function to thefence clip 300 discussed above. For example, fence clip 350 includes ahandle 354 which is coupled to a remaining portion of first securing arm352 by joint 356. However, the length of the first securing arm 352 offence clip 350 is shorter than the length of the first securing arm 302of fence clip 300. Referring to FIG. 18, when clip 350 is engagedagainst the front face 156 of post 150 and the second securing arm 104is placed or conformed around post 150, first securing arm 352 can berotated (ex.—bent, moved, incrementally adjusted, crimped) clockwiseabout joint 122 towards stabilizing bar 110 to cause the clip 350 toconform to (e.g., tighten around, be secured to, form a tension fitwith) post 150, such that joints (122, 124) wrap around side edges (160,162) of post 150. Due to its elongated configuration and its handle 354,first securing arm 352 allows clip 350 to be more easily torqued,conformed to and/or bent around the post 150 than clip 100 or clip 250.For instance, clip 350 can be constructed such that the first securingarm 352 can be bent around post 150 in a tool-less manner (e.g., byhand) or by using a simple tool (e.g., pliers, hammer, crimp).

Referring to FIG. 19, a further example of a fence clip 400 is shown.Fence clip 400 is generally similar in construction and function tofence clip 300 discussed above. For example, fence clip 400 includes afirst securing arm 402 and a second securing arm 412, the first securingarm 402 being a greater length than the second securing arm 412.Further, the first securing arm 402 of fence clip 400 also includes ahandle 408. However, fence clip 400 differs from the above-describedclips in that the first securing arm 402 of fence clip 400 includes abiasing member 404 which is coupled to a portion of the first securingarm by joint 406 and is further coupled to the handle 408 having end410. As a few examples, the biasing member can include a spring, atorsion spring, a mechanical biasing member, an electrical biasingmember, a magnetic biasing member, and the like. The biasing member 404can be configured between joint 406 and handle 408 as shown in FIG. 19.Handle 408 of the first securing arm 402 promotes ease of gripping offirst securing arm 402, while the elongated structure and biasing member404 of first securing arm 402 promotes ease of torqueing the securingarm 402 for securing of fence clip 400 to fence post 150. For example,as shown in FIG. 20, when clip 400 is engaged against the front face 156of post 150 and the second securing arm 412 is placed or conformedaround post 150, first securing arm 402 can be rotated (ex.—bent, moved,incrementally adjusted, crimped) clockwise about joint 122 towardsstabilizing bar 110, while handle 408 can be rotated (ex.—bent, moved,incrementally adjusted, crimped) clockwise relative to biasing member404 towards perpendicular second wall 154 of post 150 to cause the clip400 to conform to (e.g., tighten around, be secured to, form a tensionfit with) post 150, such that joints (122, 124) wrap around side edges(160, 162) of post 150, while a portion of the first securing arm 402 isbent around perpendicular second wall 154 of post 150. Further, thesecond securing arm 412 of clip 400 can include a catch 416 (e.g., aprotrusion or extension) having end 418, the catch 416 being coupled tothe second securing arm 412 by joint 414. When the first securing arm402 is torqued around post 150 as discussed above, handle 408 can beengaged with the catch 416 of the second securing arm 412 to maintainthe position of handle 408 via the biasing force caused by biasingmember 404. In addition, end 410 of handle 408 can include an additionaljoint projecting the end 410 outwardly along at least one side of catch416 to help ensure locking Due to its elongated configuration, itshandle 408, and its biasing member 404, first securing arm 402 allowsclip 400 to be more easily torqued, conformed to and/or bent around thepost 150 than clip 100. For instance, clip 400 can be constructed suchthat the first securing arm 402 can be bent around post 150 in atool-less manner (e.g., by hand) or by using a simple tool (e.g.,pliers, hammer, crimp).

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A clip for connecting wire fencing to a fencepost, the clip comprising: a first securing arm having a first length; asecond securing arm having a second length, the first length beinglonger than the second length; at least one stabilizing bar, wherein theat least one stabilizing bar is coupled to the first securing arm by afirst joint and to the second securing arm by a second joint; a helicalmember connected to the at least one stabilizing bar between the firstand second joint, wherein the helical member defines an aperture; and anaperture opening at least partially formed by the helical member forproviding access to the aperture.
 2. The clip of claim 1, wherein thefirst securing arm further includes a handle.
 3. The clip of claim 2,further comprising a biasing member coupled to the handle and the firstsecuring arm.
 4. The clip of claim 3, further comprising a catch coupledto the second securing arm for selectively maintaining a position of thehandle.
 5. The clip of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of thehelical member is associated with an electrical insulation.
 6. The clipof claim 1, wherein the first securing arm, the second securing arm, thefirst joint, the second joint, and the at least one stabilizing bar areof single unitary construction.
 7. The clip of claim 1, wherein thehelical member is fixedly attached to the stabilizing bar.
 8. The clipof claim 1, wherein the helical member is at least one member of a groupconsisting of: a ring shaped member, a triangular shaped member, asquare shaped member, and a pentagon shaped member.
 9. The clip of claim1, wherein the helical member resides in a plane that is generallyperpendicular to a plane where the first securing arm and the secondsecuring arm reside.
 10. The clip of claim 1, wherein the at least onestabilizing bar includes a first stabilizing bar and a secondstabilizing bar, wherein the first stabilizing bar is coupled to thefirst securing arm by a first joint, wherein the second stabilizing baris coupled to the second securing arm by a second joint.
 11. The clip ofclaim 10, wherein the first securing arm, the second securing arm, thefirst joint, the second joint, the first stabilizing bar, the secondstabilizing bar, and the helical member are of single unitaryconstruction.
 12. The clip of claim 10, wherein the helical member is atleast one member of a group consisting of: a spiral helix, a triangularshaped helix, a square shaped helix and a pentagon shaped helix.
 13. Aclip for connecting wire fencing to a fence post, the clip comprising: afirst securing arm having a first length; a second securing arm having asecond length, the first length being longer than the second length; afirst stabilizing bar coupled to the first securing arm by a firstjoint; a second stabilizing bar coupled to the second arm by a secondjoint; a helical member having a first end connected to the firststabilizing bar and a second end connected to the second stabilizingbar, wherein the helical member defines an aperture; and an apertureopening formed by a gap between the first end of the helical member andthe second end of the helical member.
 14. The clip of claim 13, whereinthe first securing arm further includes a handle.
 15. The clip of claim14, further comprising a biasing member coupled to the handle and thefirst securing arm.
 16. The clip of claim 15, further comprising a catchcoupled to the second securing arm for selectively maintaining aposition of the handle.
 17. A wire fencing system, the wire fencingsystem comprising: at least one fence post having a wall portion with afront surface and a rear surface; at least one wire; at least one clipcoupling the at least one wire to the at least one fence post, whereinthe at least one clip includes: a first securing arm juxtaposed with atleast a portion of the rear surface of the wall portion, the firstsecuring arm having a first length; a second securing arm juxtaposedwith at least a portion of the rear surface of the wall portion, thesecond securing arm having a second length, the first length beinggreater than the second length; at least one stabilizing bar juxtaposedwith the front surface of the wall portion; a helical member connectedto the at least one stabilizing bar, wherein the helical member definesan aperture where the wire extends therethrough; and an aperture openingat least partially formed by the helical member for removably receivingthe wire within the aperture.
 18. The clip of claim 17, wherein thefirst securing arm further includes a handle.
 19. The clip of claim 18,further comprising a biasing member coupled to the handle and the firstsecuring arm.
 20. The clip of claim 19, further comprising a catchcoupled to the second securing arm for selectively maintaining aposition of the handle.